Richard Bucknam

STURBRIDGE – Richard D. Bucknam, 95, of Hillside Dr., died Tuesday, April 28, at Baystate Medical Center.  He leaves his wife of 10 years, Jean (Mcallister) Bucknam; two sons, Richard Bucknam Jr., and his wife, Kathleen, of Grand Rapids, MI; James Bucknam, and his wife Ann Elderkin, of Cape Elizabeth, ME; a daughter, Marilyn Andress, and her husband Jerry, of Cape Elizabeth, ME; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and nephews.  His first wife, Dorothy (Dunhaupt) Bucknam died in February of 1996. 

He was born on October 12, 1913, in Yarmouth, ME, the son of the late George R. and Bertha M. (Drinkwater) Bucknam.  He grew up in Maine, and graduated from the University of Maine in 1935, with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.  He was a registered Professional Engineer. 

Mr. Bucknam was employed by the Sherwin-Williams Co., in New Jersey, as a Plant Engineer for 11 years. He then worked for the American Optical Company, as a Plant Engineer and retired in 1976 after 29 years of service. After his retirement he did consulting work as an electrical engineer.

 He was a member of the American Optical’s Quarter Century Club.  He served as treasurer for the Southbridge Historical Society, was a member of the Quinebaug Lodge of Masons AF & AM for 60 years, and was a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 135.  He was a member of the Elm Street Congregational Church in Southbridge.  Mr. Bucknam enjoyed his extended family, many years of extensive traveling and dining out. He volunteered for many years assisting people with tax preperation.

His funeral service will be held at 7:00PM, Friday, May 1, at the Elm Street Congregational Church, Elm St., Southbridge.  Burial will take place Saturday May 2, in Riverside Cemetery, Yarmouth, ME.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elm Street Congregational Church, Memorial Fund, PO Box 723, Southbridge, MA 01550.  An online guestbook is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com